A genome refers to the complete set of genetic material (DNA or RNA) present in an organism.
Genome sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (building blocks of DNA/RNA) that make up an organism's genome.
Genomes carry all the hereditary information needed for the growth, development, and functioning of living organisms.
They contain genes that encode instructions for the synthesis of proteins, as well as non-coding regions with regulatory functions.
Genomes can be composed of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid), depending on the organism.
DNA genomes are double-stranded, while RNA genomes can be single-stranded or double-stranded.
Genome sequencing has numerous applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, evolutionary biology, and biotechnology.
It helps in understanding genetic diseases, identifying drug targets, studying evolutionary relationships, and improving crop breeding programs.
When genomes are newly sequenced, they are compared to a reference map called a reference genome.
This helps us to understand the regions of differences between the newly sequenced genome and the reference genome.
One of this century’s scientific breakthroughs was the making of the first reference genome in 2001.
It helped scientists discover thousands of genes linked to various diseases; better understand diseases like cancer at the genetic level; and design novel diagnostic tests.
COMMENTS